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USA Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Could there be a new US national park? Georgia lawmakers push for designation
A bipartisan group of more than a dozen lawmakers are hoping to establish the next new national park in central Georgia. That's the proposal in a bill currently making its way through Congress, led by House Reps. Austin Scott (R-GA) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., (D-GA) and supported by an additional seven Republicans and four Democrats from the state. If passed, it would expand the existing Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, making it the first newly established national park and preserve in the country in more than five years. "We believe the designation, from National Historical Park to National Park, is necessary to meet the importance of this landscape, to telling the story of the American identity," said Seth Clark, executive director of the non-profit Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative. "This area was the capital city of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and there's evidence of 17,000 years of continuous history here." The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, located in Macon, Georgia, is the ancestral homeland of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. It would anchor the proposed new national park and preserve, and involve the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in management of the land, according to the bill's text. Clark told USA TODAY it would be the first park management of its kind involving a removed tribe, referring to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation's forced removal starting in 1836 from their homelands to Oklahoma, via what is now known as the Muscogee Trail of Tears. The state's two U.S. senators., Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, have introduced their own version of the bill in the Senate. More: Macon's Ocmulgee Mounds may become the first National Park and Preserve in Georgia What are the Ocmulgee Mounds? The area has been inhabited continuously by humans for thousands of years, according to the National Park Service, and showcases one of the country's best preserved Native American and pre-Columbian sites, the Ocmulgee Mounds. The mounds are estimated to have been built around around 900 CE by the Muskogean people, and were used for meeting, living, burial, agriculture and other purposes, the park says. Several of these mounds remain today, and are a leading attraction for visitors, along with its extensive museum and eight miles of outdoor trails. During the Civil War, it was the sight of two conflicts: the Battle of Dunlap Hill and the Battle of Walnut Creek. "By establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia's first National Park and Preserve, we are highlighting over 17,000 years of history and culture as well as welcoming people from across the country to enjoy Georgia's natural beauty,' Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) said in a March statement reintroducing the bill. Every September, the park hosts the Ocmulgee Indigenous Celebration to celebrate Southeastern Native American culture, according to Macon's tourism website, and holds a Lantern Light Tour in the spring coinciding with the city's popular cherry blossom festival. Bill would turn Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park to a National Park The U.S. has 63 national parks, and if the proposal goes through, Ocmulgee would become the Peach State's very first National Park and Preserve. The National Park Service oversees 433 total units of land, such as battlefields, memorials, monuments, preserves, scenic rivers and other cultural and environmental sites, including the Ocmulgee mounds. Changes in designations of these lands falls to Congress. The bill would drop the "historical" part of Omulgee's current name, Clark said, and is focused on expanding it to include national preserve land that is not currently part of the park. It would be set aside for recreational activities and preservation, such as hiking, fishing and hunting and connect to the Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. In total, non-profit organization helping with the effort, Trust for Public Land, said it would creating a sprawling 23,000-acre park along the Ocmulgee River stretching up to 20 miles downstream of the Macon city limit. The National Park Service told USA TODAY it does not comment on pending legislation. Clark said the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative is pushing for the establishment of the new park by the end of 2025. Contributing: Miguel Legoas, USA TODAY Network Kathryn Palmer is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@ and on X @KathrynPlmr.
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
America Could Get Its First New National Park in Years: What to Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Georgia is getting closer to passing a resolution that would establish the first National Park in the state. If House Resolution 2345 passes, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park would also become the first newly established National Park and Preserve in the country since 2020, when New River George National Park and Preserve was established in West Virginia. "For Georgians, this is a legacy investment in both our natural environment and local economies," Seth Clark, executive director of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative, told Newsweek. "National Park and Preserve status will drive sustainable tourism, expand and protect hunting and fishing access, create good jobs, protect private property rights, and generate long-term economic growth for Middle Georgia," he added. "The passage of H.R. 2345 would establish Georgia's first and only National Park and Preserve, culminating almost a century of public-private partnership," Representative Austin Scott, sponsor of the bill, told Newsweek. "We are proud of the history they represent, what that history means to Georgia, and we want the country and the world to know about, and visit, the land," he added. Newsweek has contacted the National Parks Conservation Association and the National Park Service via email for comment. Why It Matters The efforts to designate Ocmulgee Mounds in central Georgia as a National Park and Preserve have lasted over a century. The mounds were built in the 900s by the ancestors of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, which has since partnered with lawmakers and conservation groups to push for the designation. Now, Georgia lawmakers are throwing their weight behind passing necessary legislation to upgrade the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park into a National Park and Preserve. Not only are 13 lawmakers, Democrats and Republicans, cosponsoring the House resolution, but two Georgia senators (Democrats) have also brought forward their own similar legislation, in a major effort to establish the first National Park in the state, the Savannah Morning News reported. The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon, Georgia, on August 22, 2022. The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon, Georgia, on August 22, 2022. Sharon Johnson/AP What To Know House Resolution 2345 received bipartisan support in Congress in March with only one of Georgia's House members not cosponsoring the bill. Currently, Ocmulgee Mounds is a national historic site, a designation that "tends to concentrate on one historical feature, rather than multiple buildings or locations," James Brooks, a professor of history at the University of Georgia, told Newsweek. "National Historical Parks are the next step up from National Historic Sites, and they exist for the same basic purpose as historic sites, but tend to be larger in area," Brooks said. The change in designation to the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, which spans over 700 acres, would increase the area of land protection to a total of 54,000 acres along the Ocmulgee River, supporters say. This would make the region a "protected landscape, rather than just location," Brooks said. When discussing his bill, Representative Scott also highlighted the "positive national security implications of the proposed boundary expansion," which would increase to include land near Robins Air Force Base. He said this would "preserve installation operational areas and land use compatibility for military maneuvers." Hunting and fishing access would also be protected and expanded in the preserve boundary, Scott said, adding that his bill "prioritizes public hunting and fishing access, while protecting states' rights in regulation and private property rights of middle Georgians." Just over 5 percent of the state is in the federal registry, much of which is land in Georgia's "critical military bases," Scott said. "This establishment of a national preserve will only increase the federal land inventory of Georgia by about 0.018 percent." Brooks added that the new park, if the legislation passes, will also be the first comanaged National Park Service unit with the Muskogee Creek Nation Historic Preservation office—which he described as "pathbreaking" management. What People Are Saying Representative Scott told Newsweek: "Establishing the mounds as a National Park will ensure that they are protected and preserved for years to come, allowing generations of Americans and Georgians to enjoy our state's rich history and cultures. Additionally, the proposed preserve protects Georgia's natural resources and expands hunting and fishing opportunities for generations of Georgians to come." He added: "We want to bring people to Georgia to experience our state and the great things it has to offer. The Ocmulgee Mounds are a perfect example of what that can look like. We also want to preserve the history and culture that has helped shape our state into what it is today." Seth Clark, executive director of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative, told Newsweek: "Designating Ocmulgee Mounds as a National Park and Preserve is critical to conserving some of the most ecologically and culturally significant landscapes in the United States. It protects vital wildlife corridors, wetlands, and river systems through local collaboration. This bipartisan piece of legislation is about smart, locally driven conservation through partnerships with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, local and state governments, and local industry—and the window to act is now." He added: "This designation would be a model for how local communities can leverage conservation to drive economic revitalization. It shows that protecting land and creating opportunity aren't in conflict—they go hand in hand. Middle Georgia has been leading by example. and can serve as a model for the fulfillment of the goals of President Trump's recently announced Make America Beautiful Again Commission—but only if Congressman Austin Scott's bipartisan legislation to allow our region to fulfill this potential is passed this year." Lincoln R. Larson, a professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University, told Newsweek: "National Park status affords a greater productive status than National Monument status, and given the Trump Administration's stated to desire to shrink public lands and reduce protections bestowed on them for drilling, development, and other purposes, conversion to National Parks whenever possible is good for conservation." Larson added: "Ultimately I think that, in addition to protecting Ocmulgee, this resolution sends a larger message that parks and protected areas are not a partisan issue, and that everyone in this country should, and does, care about them." What Happens Next The measure was passed to the House Committee on Natural Resources at the end of March, and is yet to make further progress through Congress.
The Hill
24-04-2025
- Business
- The Hill
Medicaid quagmire awaits House Republicans
As lawmakers return from a two-week recess, those plans will have to come together quickly. House Energy and Commerce Committee leaders are eyeing a May 7 markup for their portion of the bill, which calls for $880 billion in cuts to offset the cost of other priorities — cuts many moderates worry could threaten Medicaid coverage their constituents rely on. Analysts say that number is impossible to meet without making changes to Medicaid. Twelve House Republicans in competitive districts — more than enough in the House GOP's razor-thin majority to keep the bill from passing — sent a letter to GOP leaders last week saying they will not support the legislation if it includes cuts to Medicaid benefits. Republican leaders say they only want to root out waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid, and to implement work requirements for nondisabled adults. But there's some disagreement about what that 'waste, fraud and abuse' looks like. Some Republicans have floated the idea of rolling back the extra federal money going to states to pay for Medicaid expansion. They argue it would be governors who would have to make hard decisions about cutting benefits, not lawmakers in Congress. 'The federal government is paying 90 percent of the Medicaid expansion. What we have talked about is moving that 90 percent level of the expansion back toward the more traditional level,' Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) said in an interview Monday on Fox Business. 'Nobody would be kicked off Medicaid as long as governors decided they wanted to continue to fund the program.' Scott doesn't sit on the Energy and Commerce panel, but his comments didn't come in a vacuum. 'When you have people on the program that are draining the resources, it takes it away from the people that are actually needing it the most and are intended to receive it,' Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said on Fox News last week. 'You're talking about young, single mothers, down on their fortunes at a moment — the people with real disabilities, the elderly,' he continued. 'And we've got to protect and preserve that program. So we're going to preserve the integrity of it.' The letter from swing district Republicans did not specifically rule out rolling back the enhanced federal match. But it's a politically risky move regardless, and at least one Senate Republican — Sen. Josh Hawley (Mo.) — has said he would oppose such an effort.
Newsweek
22-04-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Republican Explains Potential Changes to Medicaid
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. GOP Representative Austin Scott of Georgia explained a potential change House Republicans could make to Medicaid during an interview on Fox Business' Mornings With Maria. Newsweek reached out to House Speaker Mike Johnson for comment via email. Why It Matters More than 80 million Americans are currently enrolled in Medicaid, a government program providing health care to lower income individuals. President Donald Trump has said he would not cut the program, but some Republicans in Congress are eyeing cuts, setting up a potential intraparty battle over the matter. What to Know Scott said House Republicans have been discussing a potential change to Medicaid expansion. Currently, states that have enacted Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act receive a 90 percent federal matching rate, known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP). This means the federal government takes on 90 percent of those costs, while the state governments take on 10 percent. Republicans are considering lowering the FMAP, which would shift more the funding to the states, Scott told Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo on Monday. Representative Austin Scott speaks with reporters in Washington, D.C. on October 23, 2023. Representative Austin Scott speaks with reporters in Washington, D.C. on October 23, 2023. JULIA NIKHINSON/AFP via Getty Images "When the Dems expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, they made that percentage match 90-10, so the federal government is paying 90 percent of the Medicaid expansion," Scott said. "What we have talked about is moving that 90 percent level of the expansion back to the more traditional levels of 50 to approximately 80 percent, instead of the 90-10." He said "nobody would be kicked off Medicaid" as long as governors continued to fund the program. "We are talking about the state governments paying a small percentage increase in their share of the Medicaid costs of their citizens," he said. Any efforts to cut Medicaid funding would likely be met with opposition from Democrats, but some Republicans as well. A dozen centrist Republicans wrote a letter to House Republican leaders last week indicating they would "not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations." What People Are Saying Senator Ruben Gallego, an Arizona Democrat, on X: "Austin and the Republicans know that states have automatic triggers if the federal match falls below 90 percent they will kick off the working poor from Medicaid. 100 of thousands of Arizona families would lose Medicaid coverage." Dr. Michelle Au, an anesthesiologist and Democratic Georgia state Representative, on X: "The 9 to 1 federal match applies to states that fully expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Congressional Republicans know states can't cover the same number of patients if this federal match is cut. It also allows them to blame governors for the cuts Congress makes." What Happens Next House leadership have not formally announced any plans to change Medicaid. Congress is expected to continue working on Trump's legislation, which is expected to include tax cut extensions, as well as potential spending cuts.
USA Today
22-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NFL mock draft: PFF predicts Rams add key playmakers
2025 NFL mock draft: PFF predicts Rams add key playmakers With the 2025 NFL Draft quickly approaching, all manners of mock selections will come out of the woodwork. The Los Angeles Rams are in a strange position, too, as a team with a wide Super Bowl window and no clear needs. That doesn't mean the Rams can rest on their roster's laurels heading into the 2025 season. Pro Football Focus' Austin Scott made selections the Rams on all three days of the draft in this new mock draft. Most of the selections align with the Rams' draft needs, but a few surprises popped up as well as a mid-round trade. Here's how it went: Round 1, Pick No. 26: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan Loveland would be a dream pick for the Rams in the first round. He gives the Rams a tight end of the future who can catch and block. Loveland also wouldn't need to contribute immediately with Tyler Higbee healthy. Round 3, Pick No. 90: CB Jacob Parrish, Kansas State Cornerback is one of the top needs in 2025. Parrish would give the Rams a chance to round out their secondary and provides a future starter at the position. Round 3, Pick No. 101: T Anthony Belton, North Carolina State Benton played mostly left tackle in college but has experience on both sides of the line. That is a valuable asset for the Rams, who are looking for depth at tackle but also someone who could eventually replaced Rob Havenstein on the right side. Round 4, Pick No. 127: Rams trade back with Saints The Rams make a small trade here, moving but four spots in the fourth round and up 11 spots in the sixth round. L.A. sends the Nos. 127 and 195 to the New Orleans Saints for Nos. 131 and 184. Round 4, Pick No. 131: EDGE Barryn Sorrell, Texas Pass-rush support is always a good thing to add in the draft. Sorrell is an experienced player with 15.5 career sacks in 49 games at Texas. Round 6, Pick No. 184: WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Auburn The Rams have seen success with late-round receivers and add another here in Lambert-Smith. The Penn State and Auburn pass-catcher finished finished his college career with 2,702 total receiving yards and 19 touchdowns in 60 games. Round 6, Pick 190: LB Kain Medrano, UCLA This is a solid late-round pick at a position of need for the Rams. Medrano is an experienced player who was also a captain in college. While he has his deficiencies, Medrano can sit deep on the depth chart and develop. Round 6, Pick No. 201: S Dante Trader Jr., Maryland Trader Jr. is a versatile defensive back who can play at all areas of the defense. He's also played a lot of college football with solid production Round 6, Pick No. 202: G Clay Webb, Jacksonville State Like Steve Avila, Webb can play guard or center. That dual ability could be helpful in providing depth for the Rams' offensive line in 2025.
